Purpose: :
To estimate the prevalence rate and the risk factors of highmyopia in 19 years old men in Southeast area of Korea.

Methods: :
This study was conducted with serial cross-sectional data basedon medical checkup for conscription by the Military ManpowerAdministration of Korea from January 2002 to December 2004.Study subjects were the total number of 19 years old men inSoutheast Korea(Gyeongnam province, Ulsan and Busan metropolitancity). Three years health checkup data for conscription consistedof noncycloplegic autorefraction test, biometric factors andsocial factors. We classified biometric factors as quartilegroups, blood pressure as 4 groups by 7th report of JNC, BMIas 5 groups by WHO criteria and social factors as 3 groups,respectively. High myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent(SE)of less than -6.0D. Data was analyzed with chi square test fortrend and multiple logistic regression using SPSS for win (12.0)program.

Conclusions: :
The prevalence rates of high myopia in 19 years men in Southeastarea of Korea were increased gradually and influenced by socialfactors and blood pressure. Almost one tenth of young men werehigh myopia as risk factor of visual loss. Further studies andeffective health strategies are needed to prevent and improvefor the eye health of young persons.